n Brain fitness games can help
improve older adults’ memory
and language skills, finds research
conducted at the University of
California, Los Angeles. Scientists split
the study’s 59 older adult participants
into two groups. The first group used
a computerized memory-training
program 12 times a month for six
months, while the second group used
the program less than eight times a
month. The researchers found that the
first group significantly improved in
memory and language skills compared
with the second group. (American
Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, June)

a small weight loss — an average of 14pounds — reduced the participants’risk of developing Type- 2 diabetes by

58 percent. The health benefits of theloss lasted up to 10 years, even if peopleeventually regained the weight.

n First-time mothers who focusedmindfully on the emotional andphysical changes brought on bypregnancy appeared to feel betterand have healthier newborns thannew mothers who didn’t practicesuch mindfulness, according to as-yet-unpublished research led byHarvard University psychologist EllenLanger, PhD. Researchers trainedwomen pregnant with their firstchild in mindfulness, asking themto pay attention to subtle changes intheir feelings and physical sensationseach day. Compared with two othergroups of first-time moms who hadno mindfulness training, these womenreported improved well-being, morepositive feelings, less emotional distressand healthier newborns up to a monthafter birth.